* Family counting does not include 33,538 refugees from Myanmar in Kutupalong and Nayapara who have already been individually accounted for.

The UNHCR family counting exercise includes arrivals from Myanmar before and after 25 August 2017

On 4 October 2017, UNHCR launched a family counting exercise. A team of 100+ staff collect information on the refugee arrivals and deliver a card and a unique identification number. The exercise provides baseline data to assist with site planning, harmonization of aid and critically in terms of protection, identifies vulnerabilities and specific needs among the refugee population. Early November saw completion of the first phase, more than 700,00 refugees from Myanmar have so far been counted.

The data reveals that one-third of the families are vulnerable. 16 per cent are single mothers holding their families together with little support in harsh camp conditions. Others are struggling with serious health problems or disabilities. There is also a high proportion of elderly people at risk, unaccompanied and separated children – some of them taking care of younger siblings. Children made up 55 percent of the total population; women 52 percent.

Most of those counted (72 per cent) arrived in Bangladesh after violence erupted in Myanmar’s northern Rakhine state in late August, whereas the remaining sought refuge in Bangladesh prior to the latest influx. The majority (70 per cent) came from Maungdaw Township, with smaller numbers from Buthidaung and Rathedaung.

UNHCR teams continue to conduct protection monitoring and to identify protection incidents in
settlements, facilitated by the use of complaint boxes and a hotline service that is open seven days a
week. This week, UNHCR received almost 40 calls through the hotline, related to issues of family
disputes, medical assistance, and violence. A tracking incidents system has been established and
since the launch of the hotline on 3 January and 20 January, some 63 calls were referred to the
appropriate services.

25 Jan 2018

The first part of the relocation of refugee families from Bandarban to Kutupalong settlement was
completed, with some 2,333 individuals relocated between 14 and 19 January 2018. The distribution
of shelter kits and family counting for this group will continue during next few days. On 21 January
2018, the relocation of 6,637 refugees from Bandarban / Bor Shon Khola began and is expected to
be completed within nine days. Partners continue to support UNHCR with logistical arrangements,
including volunteers for the carrying of luggage, provision of hot meals and water, as well as medical
and protection screening upon arrival to Kutupalong.

24 Jan 2018

UNHCR, in cooperation with TAI, has trained some 68 COMs, including 25 women, on SGBV
identification, prevention and response in two areas of Kutupalong and in Nayapara’s makeshift
settlement. More COMs will receive the same training in two other areas of Kutupalong in the coming
week. In coordination with UNFPA, UNHCR, together with the Camp in Charges (CiCs) of six areas
of Kutupalong settlement, including the makeshift, is developing a cohesive SGBV referral pathway
that will assist SGBV survivors to safely reach professionals and institutions who are qualified to
address their needs.

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